Age Care Funding A Milestone In Government, Employer And Union Co-Operation

"A tremendous boost for low paid workers and a milestone in the co-operative work being undertaken in the aged care sector" CTU president Ross Wilson said today in welcoming the Government funding boost announced today.

This very welcome funding by Government provides a sound base for the tripartite (District Health Boards, aged care providers and unions) work which will continue over the next few years to build training and wages for workers, and standards of care for our elderly people," he said.

"The CTU welcomes the Minister of Health's commitment to ensuring that these improved conditions for low wage workers in the sector are formalised into collective agreements to ensure sustainability."

"All workers in the sector will now have the opportunity to benefit from collective bargaining and ensure that wages grow and that recognition of this vitally important work is maintained."

"Everyone has the potential to benefit from this approach, as the early childhood care sector has, in improved quality and retention, and attractiveness as a place to work."